THE ECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES 45 



come across any official report on the matter, but I have re- 

 ceived direct information from various trustworthy Indians and 

 mestizos. 



MANUFACTURES 



With the exception of the cigar manufacture, which until 

 January 1, 1883, was monopolized by the government, the 

 islands are not of industrial importance. Manila possesses two 

 large sugar refineries, some distilleries, and rope works. Lately 



SUGAR DRYING AT MANILA 



rice mills and a flour mill have been set up in Luzon to meet 

 the requirements of the island. The hats made by the natives 

 of strips of reeds in Baliuag also play an important part in the 

 export trade, being shipped largely to America and Paris. The 

 cigar cases (petacas), likewise manufactured in Baliuag, are of 

 less importance. Though of no great significance for the trade, 

 the ilang-ilang essence should be mentioned, the Philippines 

 being the only place where it is produced. The essence is made 

 from the green blossom of the ilang-ilang tree, one of the 

 Anonacerc (Avona adoratissima according to Blanco, Cananga 



